The wedding season has begun, and if you’re invited to a wedding, the question of what gift to give inevitably arises. Dishes, Wonderbox, money… the choice is not easy. Here are some ideas to definitely please the soon-to-be-married couple.
1. Follow the Invitation
On most wedding invitations, the couple will mention in small print whether there will be a donation box on the day or if they have a wedding list or an online fund. More and more couples prefer this option. If this is the case, connect to the website and choose the item, honeymoon activity, or simply the amount you wish to give.
2. Money
Yes, it’s not the most personal gift, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s the gift the couple will prefer. The wedding expenses will have reduced their finances, and they will undoubtedly be happy to replenish their bank account for their future projects. Even if nothing is indicated on the invitation about the presence of a donation box or a fund, you will find a way to give it to them.
Wondering how much and how to give? Check out our article on “How Much to Give at a Wedding in France or Belgium?”
If the idea of giving money as a wedding gift doesn’t appeal to you, here are two other more personal gift ideas for the couple.
3. A Couple’s Activity
To allow the young couple to spend time together after the wedding excitement and continue to discover each other, there’s nothing like an original activity to do as a couple. Offer them a dinner in the dark, a ceramic or pastry class, a wine tasting, or a duo massage. The key is to think of an activity that will please both lovers. A gift box or a voucher can be interesting so they can choose the activity and the date.
4. A Personalized Gift
A personal gift is always very touching, especially when it comes from the couple’s close friends or family. A photo album, a memory box, a beautiful speech, or an item related to a funny shared anecdote are always good ideas if they are meant to please them. Especially, don’t bring up embarrassing stories about the couple in public that would make them uncomfortable and only make you laugh. Keep the juicy anecdotes for the bachelor or bachelorette party or another evening with friends.
If you have particular talents that the couple appreciates, you can also make them something by hand: a ceramic object, a wooden piece of furniture, or a drawn portrait of the couple can be very touching gifts. However, prioritize small formats rather than imposing gifts, as it might clutter their home if they haven’t specifically asked for it.
Now that you have ideas for gifts that will delight the couple, here is a reminder of gifts that won’t please them.
Bad Wedding Gift Ideas
Appliances, Dishes, Decorations
Even though it was traditional in the 80s, you no longer give appliances, dishes, or decorations to the couple unless it’s on a wedding list they’ve put online. Most couples live together long before the wedding, they already have everything they need or want specific things that match their tastes.
Flowers
Bringing flowers as a gift for a wedding is also a bad idea. The couple will have invested a significant budget in the floral decoration of their Big Day and will have more flowers than they know what to do with to take home after the celebrations.
Chocolates or Any Other Perishable Food
They won’t be good by the time the couple has finished eating all the wedding leftovers… Moreover, the food might spoil because it can’t be refrigerated quickly.
Coming Empty-Handed
It’s quite rude to not give anything to the couple. If you don’t have much budget, the couple is probably aware of it and doesn’t expect a big gift. However, a carefully crafted congratulatory card is the minimum. You can accompany it with a small bottle of homemade aperitif or a DIY gift, which are small appreciated gestures that don’t require a big budget.
There you have it, you know all the dos and don’ts of wedding gifts! Want to read more articles related to the wedding theme? Check here.